Wiley's elocution and oratory: giving a thorough treatise on the art of reading and speaking. Containing numerous and choice selections of didactic, humorous, and dramatic styles, from the most celebrated authors ...

Front matter

•

A * v ^

, .1 ^ vV

Preface

The primary object in the preparation of this work, was to arrange in a single volume, the principles of vocal culture, and style of delivery now used by the best elocutionists of the day ; and, at the same time, to present a work for reading and for practice, that would contain the choicest gems of both ancient and modern literature.

These selections, containing the highest order of elocutionary merit — many of them- of a purely patriotic spirit — the compiler, at the expense of much time and labor, has arranged or adapted, in a manner eminently fitted for the use of teachers and students in our colleges and schools.

That to which special attention is directed in this volume, is the systematic arrangement, unlike any thing that has yet appeared, both of the principles of vocal culture, and the rules for delivery, carefully and suitably prepared, for students of Elocution whether in schools, or colleges, or for private learners.

So completely in keeping with the advancing spirit of the art of Elocution will the rules and exercises in this volume be found, that no student who thoroughly conquers them can fail to become a master of Elocution.

CHARLES A. WILEY.